Chapter 57
Tris pov
I settled in Emily's office because I know the board meeting with start in no time, my heart racing with possibility, my eyes fixed on the door to hear any footsteps because I had Emily's phone last night and received message from Alpha
christian that he will be coming over to the office and I was already willing to visit before Emily I deleted the message so she won't see it and rushed down to the office before time.
I was still twirling on the chair when a knock resonated through the door. "Wow! Guess it's alpha christian," I muttered standing up to get the door. It's gonna be fun, I said, chuckling softly. Reaching the door opened it and my eyes widened in shock.
"Emily? I.. I'm..."I stammered trying to get a hold of myself, what is she doing here this early? Did Alpha christian call her after he sent a message? I thought to myself as I kept my eyes on her.
"Morning Tris, sorry, I was somehow too lazy to get dressed up," she frowned her brows seeing the awful look on my face. She gently pushed me, snapping me off. "Did you eat?" I asked with a confused look.
"No, you'll get that for me as your little baby," she muttered, doing some pringle and Pringle puppy look. Please.
I stood frozen, my mind reeling. Emily's presence threw me off guard. Why was she here so early? Did Alpha Christian contact her after sending that cryptic message?
Emily's playful nudge brought me back to reality. Her bright smile and playful puppy eyes dissolved my tension.
"Of course, my little baby," I teased, attempting to hide my confusion.
As Emily sashayed into the office, I followed, my eyes fixed on her. Her carefree demeanor belied the turmoil brewing inside me.
"Coffee and pastries, coming right up," I said, trying to sound casual.
Emily settled into her chair, her gaze scanning the room. "Thanks, Tris. I needed a pick-me-up."
I hurried out to fetch breakfast, my mind racing. What did Alpha Christian's message mean? And why did Emily arrive so early?
Upon returning, Emily's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
I forced a chuckle. "Just... morning haze."
The morning haze lingered, prompting her to suggest, "Why not come over? I can offer you a soothing treatment to alleviate your discomfort." She playfully teased while unzipping her bag to retrieve something. However, I felt a sense of unease, contemplating how to convey my intention to discuss the core of alpha Christian messages with her. I hoped she would refrain from bringing up business matters.
I arched an eyebrow, engaging in the banter. "A soothing treatment, is it? That sounds rather like a diversion."
Emily's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Maybe it is."
As she rummaged through her bag, I seized the opportunity. "Hey, Emily?"
"Yes?" She looked up, her gaze meeting mine.
"Can I ask you something?" My tone turned serious.
Emily's expression shifted to curiosity. "Of course, what's up?"
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "Did Alpha Christian contact you recently?"
Emily's pause was almost imperceptible. "Why do you ask?"
My heart sank. Did she know something?
"Just wondering," I said casually. "He seemed... intense last night."
Emily's eyes narrowed slightly. "No, he hasn't contacted me. Why?"
I forced a smile. "Just making sure. Don't want any surprises."
Emily's gaze lingered on mine, as if searching for hidden meaning. "Tris, is everything okay?"
I nodded hastily. "Yeah, everything's fine."
But Emily's eyes still held a hint of suspicion. Had I raised her concerns?
Just then, the room door swung open. Alpha Christian strode in, his presence commanding attention.
"Good morning, everyone," he announced, his voice dripping with authority.
I ignored his greetings, Emily's eyes darted to me and then she hit him to lit up my moment. Emily, just let me okay? He should have a seat since he wants to talk about business. Emily's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Of course, let's focus on the meeting." She gestured to an empty chair. "Alpha Christian, please, have a seat." Alpha Christian's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable. But he took the seat, his movements fluid and deliberate.
As the meeting progressed, Emily expertly navigated the discussion, outlining key business strategies. Alpha Christian listened intently, his eyes never leaving Emily's face.
I observed the dynamics between them, searching for any hidden cues. Emily's professionalism masked her true feelings, but Alpha Christian's intensity betrayed a deeper interest. Suddenly, Emily's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen, her expression tightening.
"Excuse me," she murmured, quickly silencing the phone.
My heart skipped a beat. Was it another message from Alpha Christian?
Emily's eyes flicked to mine, a fleeting glance. Did she sense my concern?
Alpha Christian leaned forward, his voice low. "Shall we proceed to the proposal?"
Emily nodded curtly. "Yes. Let's hear it."
As Alpha Christian began outlining his plan, I noticed Emily's hands clenched into fists beneath the table. Her eyes never left Alpha Christian's face, a mixture of wariness and determination etched on her features. I sensed a storm brewing beneath the surface.
What are you guys hiding from me? I finally broke the silence, she quickly turned to me and chuckled. What are you even insinuating we're business partners Tris.
Emily's laughter sounded forced, and her eyes darted to Alpha Christian before returning to me. "What's gotten into you, Tris?"
Alpha Christian's expression remained neutral, but his gaze intensified. "Perhaps Tris is sensing the tension between us," he suggested, his voice low and smooth. Emily's smile faltered. "There's no tension, just business discussions."
I leaned forward, my eyes locked on Emily. "I know you, Emily. I can see it. You're hiding something."
Emily's eyes flashed with warning. "Tris, stop. This isn't the time or place."
What truth did you even want from me when I have nothing to hide. Tris, alpha christian will be leaving if you don't mind and thanks for the embarrassment. I felt bad as she angrily mentioned.